I've recognized that my TN is not as bad as so many that I've read about. I've also read that it gets worse as time goes on.
I knew last week that this weekend was going to be really busy and stressful. Stress is one thing I do not do well. I have addisons disease and for me stress is certainly my enemy. So on Friday we went to my son's college graduation and my 3 y/o grandson put in to come home with us. I was so excited! We made plans to go pick fresh strawberries and other fun things on Saturday.
During the middle of the night friday / saturday I woke up with a pain in the middle of my brain. It scared me. It was like a headache in the center of my brain. My husband got me and ice pack and I put it on top of my head. I wasn't thinking TN. I dozed back off to sleep and when I got up at 7:30 it started. All out firing all over my head from my eyes to the crown of my head.
As the title says, it was the worst I've ever experienced. I couldn't hold my grandson, picking him up made it worse. I could hardly open my eyes. I was holding my head with both hands and literally screaming.
My husband took care of my grandson and got him back home.
I took pain pills and a xanax and got really still in my recliner and it got better but didn't quit. I'm still having "zaps" today. Nothing like it was yesterday morning, mind you, but they are still there.
A few question:
Do steroids (prednisone) help with TN?
Can you take tegretol and gabapentin at the same time?
Has anyone been to Mayo clinic for TN?
Im sorry you are having a rough time. I sure know the feeling. The top branch does extend up to the top of your head. Was it in the opthemalic area?
I know some people have been given steroids and they can help. Talk to your DR about medication and make an emergency plan for flare ups.
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Yes, mine is in that green area, the opthemalic area. What type of emergency plan do you have? I was really caught off guard.
You and I have a lot in common. I am going to message u
OK, thank you
I was put on steroids due to an allergic reaction.
Back in December, my first TN flare was the 28th and it lasted off and on for 4 or 5 days until the attacks started to be hours apart. At the ER they told me it a sinus infection (although I had no drainage etc.) or possibly a bone infection, and prescribed me Augmentin. I had a severe allergic reaction to that and a hospital visit.
I was still getting attacks when I was put on Prednisone. I don't know why but it seemed to help initially. But on the other side of that, it caused me to clench and grind my teeth, which caused me great pain for a few weeks once I was off of it.
Be very careful. It can cause severe depression and exacerbate things like anxiety.
I don't know *why* it seemed to help. It could have been a coincidence. I get remissions of 3-4 days now that I know I have TN.
Thanks MelissaK! The reason I asked about the prednisone is because I have to take it daily anyway because I have no adrenal glands. I was just wondering if I went up on my daily dose if it would help. Yes, steroids are no fun. But I would much rather put up with the side effects of steroids than live with what I had happen to me on Saturday. Oh my STARS!
I totally understand that! I'd ask your doctor what they think, though just to be sure.
I sure will. It never hurts to find out. Thanks again!!